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Local attractions to explore
From castle to prison, working farm to world renowned garden, Sissinghurst's past is nothing but varied and each of its incarnations have added to its story.
The Sissinghurst estate is 460 acres of beautiful Wealden countryside. Looked after by a team of rangers, it's a fascinating place to spot native wildlife all year round. It is a joy for walkers and horse riders alike. The tenant farmer, John, farms the land and rears Sussex Cattle and Romney sheep.
With its 460 acres to explore there's something for everyone. From a short mile walk passing our two lakes to a more adventurous three mile walk taking in all of the estate. Borrow a pair of binoculars from the Visitor Reception, by the Plain. Stop off at the bird hide and watch the comings and goings of our feathered friends.
The Kent and East Sussex Railway is one of the country's finest examples of a preserved rural light railway. From Tenterden Town station historic steam and diesel trains gently wind their way along 10 ½ miles of track travelling through unrivalled Wealden countryside and the beautiful Rother Valley.
Kino Hawkhurst & Kino Rye are equipped with state-of-the-art digital high definition projection and sound equipment to ensure the highest quality viewing experience. View the latest blockbusters, kids movies, foreign-language films, documentaries and live events.
Scotney is not one but two houses. At the top of the hill is the new house, designed by Anthony Salvin in Elizabethan style and built in 1837 for Edward Hussey III, who took the ‘Picturesque’ style as his inspiration. At the bottom of the valley are the romantic ruins of a medieval castle and moat.
Bewl Water is the largest stretch of open water in the South East. Bewl Water offers a fantastic range of leisure and recreational activities, including fishing, cycling and boating, on and around the reservoir with a visitors’ centre, conference venue, restaurant and café on the shoreline.
One of the most famous and evocative castles in Britain, Bodiam was built in 1385 as both a defence and a comfortable home.
The exterior is virtually complete and the ramparts rise dramatically above the moat. Enough of the interior survives to give an impression of castle life.
There are spiral staircases and battlements to explore, and wonderful views of the Rother Valley from the top of the towers. In the impressive gatehouse is the castle's original wooden portcullis, an extremely rare example of its kind. Note: only toilets are in car park. Property is often used by educational groups during term.
Great Dixter was the family home of gardener and gardening writer Christopher Lloyd – it was the focus of his energy and enthusiasm and fuelled over 40 years of books and articles. Great Dixter is an historic house, a garden, a centre of education, and a place of pilgrimage for horticulturists from across the world.
Bedgebury Forest is ideal for cycling, walking, running and riding, adventure play and Go Ape. Visit the National Pinetum, one of the world's finest conifer collections, perfect for walks and picnics. Open all year & great value for money, Bedgebury is the place to visit on the Kent/Sussex border.
Surrounded by the wooded landscape of the Sussex Weald, this 17th-century house, with its mullioned windows and oak beams, provided a much needed sanctuary for this world-famous writer Rudyard Kipling. Bateman's is very much a family home, but impressive none the less.
The half-timbered house, built in the early 16th century when Smallhythe was a thriving shipbuilding yard, was the home of the Victorian actress Ellen Terry from 1899 to 1928, and contains her fascinating theatre collection. The cottage grounds include her rose garden, orchard, nuttery and the working Barn Theatre.
The Chapel Down Winery in Tenterden is home to the leading producer of award winning English sparkling wines, still wines and beer, and is open daily to visitors.
The winery building features a large wine and fine food store selling fantastic local produce, plus a stunning restaurant and bar 'The Swan at Chapel Down'.
Visitors can take a guided tour (seasonal), taste and learn about how vines are grown and wine is made. Free tasting always available in the shop. Advance booking is required by calling the shop directly.